Trump says Iran gave "early notice" about counterstrikes on US base in Qatar

US President Donald Trump said Monday the Iranian government offered "early notice" about a series of missile strikes that targeted the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, downplaying Iran's response to the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend as "very weak," Report informs via CBS News.

"I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

The president did not specify how much early warning Iran gave or how the warning was delivered. But Mr. Trump's message seemed to confirm speculation that Iran could telegraph its plans for retaliation in advance, giving the United States a chance to minimize the damage and avoid an escalation.

Hours after the Qatar strikes on Monday, Trump announced Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire starting at midnight ET, less than two weeks after Israel began striking Iranian targets and Iran responded with missiles. Neither Israel nor Iran has commented on a ceasefire.

Diplomatic sources told CBS News that Monday's counterattack from Iran was expected and calibrated, and US and Qatari officials met over the weekend to prepare.